The aim of this workshop is to discuss the geotechnical research needs for the assessment and mitigation of damage to the infrastructure resulting from strong ground shaking. Infrastructure refers to transportation systems, waterfront structures, water retaining structures such as earth dams, underground structures, and in general, any structure built on or of soils. Losses in the infrastructure due to earthquake damage has been a significant fraction of the initial construction costs. Assessment and mitigation of damage to the infrastructure involves identifying the potential damage to the infrastructure caused by large earthquakes, as well as the research needed to reduce these losses through improved design and construction methods. A particular focus is on verification of these design and construction methods. It is motivated by questions such as: In the event of a magnitude 8 earthquake occurring, can an estimate be made of the damage to the infrastructure? Are the current methods of analysis adequate to evaluate the potential damage due to a large magnitude earthquake and to provide an economic method for strengthening the infrastructure? These questions can be answered effectively only if the procedures used for analysis have been verified. This workshop will build upon, and bring together, the results from recent workshops which addressed particular aspects of this broader earthquake hazard mitigation initiative. It will be held on February 4-5, 1992 at the University of California at Davis.
